Naturally-derived surface sanitizer and disinfectant

ABSTRACT

Food processing equipment, food contact surfaces, and non-food contact surfaces are sanitized or disinfected using an acid-anionic surfactant solution has efficacy in hand water, in non-corrosive, and is stable at elevated temperatures. The sanitizing/disinfecting solution is prepared as a highly concentrated liquid and diluted to end use concentrations prior to application to food processing equipment or food or non-food contact surfaces. Efficacy in hard water is important for sanitizers and disinfectants that are diluted by the end user using potentially hard water. Stability at elevated temperatures is important for long-term storage and transportation. The diluted sanitizing/disinfecting solution exhibits strong antimicrobial activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria even when diluted in hard water. The sanitizing/disinfecting solution exhibits low toxicity to humans and the environment since it is prepared from low toxicity ingredients that are readily biodegradable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the sanitization and disinfection of food processing food and that is equipment and food and non-food content surfaces using a sanitizing/disinfecting solution formulated with naturally derived ingredients and maintains when diluted in hard water The sanitizing/disinfecting highly concentrated liquid elevatedtemperature, which is importantfor long-termstorage and transportation.The sanitizer/disinfectant is non corrosive, which is important when sanitzing or disinfecting food processing equipment and food and non-food contact surfaces. The sanitizing/disinfecting solutionexhibits low human and environmental toxicity since itis prepared from low toxicity ingredients that are readily biodegradable.

BACKGROUNDOF THE INVENTION

Food processingequiptmentand food contactsurfaces(e.g., tablesand require sanitization or disinfection bewteen food preparations, particulary when countertops)require sanitizationor disinfection between food preparations, particularly when processing raw food such as cutting meat, in order to prevent cross-contaminated and the spread of food-bornediseases.surfacesbenefit fromand of food -borne diseases. In addition, non-food contact surfaces benefitfrom sanitization and disinfection to limit pathogen loads and the spread of potentially infectious agents(e.g., in settings). Food processing is often commercial, industrial, commerical, or householdsettings). Food processingisoften hospital, industrial, commercial, household settings). . Food processing equipment often cleaned using one solution and then sanitized/disinfected with a separate solution. The solutions described invention allow the same solutionto be used for cleaning and sanitizing/disinfecting since the solution has good cleaning power and strong antimicrobial efficany. Sanitizion greatly reduces the bioburden (e.g., bacteria, yeast, molds, virus) on the food or non-foodcontact surface and thereby likelihood of the spread of microbial diseases. Disinfections provides an even greater eduction in the amount of bioburden and in turn an even greater reduction in the likelihood of the spread of microbial diseases. The solution describedtheability to function as a sanitizing/disinfecting described in this invention has the ability to function as a

Many sanitizing and disinfecting compositions have been developed. Many are not approved for food contact surface ue since they are formulated with ingredients that would be harmful if their residues on the food contact surface were transferred to food and were subsequently ingested by humans. Sanitizing and disinfecting compositions that are acceptable corrosive to the food processing equipment or food contact for food contact surface use are often chlorine dioxide, chlorinated or halogenated since they often contain chlorine, chlorine dioxide, chlorinated compounds, peracetic acid, or other corrosive ingredients toxicity, non-corrosive sanitizing/disinfetcing solution for

Various patents have disclosed the antimicrobial properties formulations, with some of the patents disclosing the use of anionic surfactant formulations, with some of the patents disclosing the us of low pH-anionic surfactant fomulations on food contact surfaces. U.S. Pat. 6,953,722 discloses a food contact surface sanitizing solution including at least lactic acid and phosphoric acid, an anionic surfactant, and a sequestering agent. U.S. Pat. 5,143,720 discloses anhydrous sanitizing/disinfecting compositions including an acid and an anionic surfactant, and includes example anhydrous (dry) formulations including an acid, an anionic surfactant, and low concentrations of short chain fatty acids, although the purpose of including the fatty acids in the anhydrous formulations is not described. U.S. Pat. 4,715,980 discloses a food contact surface sanitizing composition including a dicarboxylic acid, another acid, and an anionic surfactant. US Patent 5,280,042 discloses food contact surface sanitizing and disinfecting compositions against cyst or oocyte forms of protozoa including an anionic surfactant and an acidic component. US Patent 6,867,233 discloses an acidic antimicrobial composition for use on food contact surfaces including an organic acid, an anionic surfactant, polypropylene glycol, and a carbonate. US Patent 7,851,430 discloses a food contact surface disinfecting composition containing an organic acid, an anionic surfactant, and a buffering agent.

U.S. Pat. 6,262,038 discloses a germicidal composition including a mixture of alpha-hydroxy fruit acid, anionic surfactant, and sophorose lipid biosurfactant for use on skin or hair. U.S. Pat. 5,490,992 discloses a disinfectant composition including a fatty acid monoester, an acid, and an anionic surfactant for use on poultry carcasses.

U.S. Pat. 4,404,040, discloses formulations for sanitizing dairy and brewery equipment using a solution comprising an aliphatic short chain fatty acid, a solubilizer (e.g., an anionic surfactant), and an acid. This patent further discloses the optional use of alcohols at low concentrations (≤0.2%) to help reduce the viscosity of the final concentrated solution.

A major limitation of the referenced low pH-anionic surfactant concentrate formulations is that their efficacy (cleaning ability and antimicrobial activity) may be adversely affected when diluted with hard water (e.g., water containing at least 300 ppm hardness ions such as calcium and magnesium, and especially at least 500 ppm hardness ions). Anionic surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate often have better hard water tolerance than soaps (saponified fatty acids); however, anionic surfactants may still suffer from reduced efficacy in hard water due to the formation of insoluble compounds when complexed with the calcium and magnesium ions when complexed with the calcium and magnesium ions typically present in hard water. In addition, acid-anionic surfactant formulations are inherently unstable due to hydrolysis of the anionic surfactant. This is particularly problematic at higher temperatures that may be encountered during storage of the product. It is accordingly an object of this invention to provide a stable, naturally-derived sanitizing/disinfecting solution that retains efficacy in hard water. In addition, the solution should exhibit low human and environmental toxicity and be non-corrosive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment, the invention is directed towards a sanitizing and disinfecting solution concentrate composition comprising: a) at least about 10 wt% water; b) one or more natural first organic acids at a total concentration of at least about 10 wt% and sufficient to provide a solution pH of from about 1.2 - 5.0; c) one or more sulfated fatty acid surfactants at a total concentration of at least about 5 wt%; d) one or more monocarboxylic fatty acids at a total concentration of at least about 0.1 wt%, wherein the one or more monocarboxylic fatty acids are distinct from the one or more natural first organic acids; and e) one or more alcohols at a total concentration of at least about 1 wt%. The invention further provides a method of cleaning, sanitizing, or disinfecting a food or non-food contact surface comprising diluting such a concentrate composition with at least 9 additional parts of water to one part of the concentrate composition to form a diluted solution having a pH of from about 1.2 - 5.0, and contacting the surface with the diluted solution.

The present invention involves sanitizing and disinfectingfood and non-food contact surfaces using low pH, anionicsurfactant formulations, which retain efficacy (cleaning ability and antimicrobial activity) when diluted to end-use concentration in hard water. Furthermore, the formulations are prepared from naturally-derived ingredientsand the formulations exhibit low human and environmental toxicity. The low environmental toxicity is particulary important for sanitizer/disinfectants that will be disposed of in commercial or residential waste water systems (e.g., rinsing of treated surfaces).

As described in the background information, this invention is partly predicate on the ability of low pH anionic surfactant formulations to kill microorganisms, such as food-borne bacterial pathogens. In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that adding monocarboxylic fatty acid greatly improves the hard water tolerance of the sanitizing/disinfecting solution, solution. Additionally, it has been discovered that further use of critical concentrations of organic alcohols provide elevated temperature stability to the formulations since both the anionic surfactant and fatty acid can separate out of solutions during storage at elevated temperatures. The ingredients use to formulate the sanitizing/disinfecting are advantageously naturally-derived (i.e., found in our bodies naturally, and/or undergone minimal chemical modifications [e.g., saponificatin or sultation of fatty acids]) and exhibit low human and environmentaltoxicity when formuated and used at end-use concentrations. The formulations of the invention are further advantageously non-corrosive to stainless steel and aluminum, two materials often used in foodand non-food contact surfaces, and leave little to no undesirable residue on the cleaned/sanitized/disinfectsurface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention portions to the use of sanitizing and disinfecting formulations on food and non food contact surfaces and which are stable and have high tolerance to hard water(e.g.,, water havingat least 300 ppm hardness ions such as calcium and magnesium, and especially water having at least 500 ppm hardness ions). The invention applies to all types of food and non-food contact surfaces such as food processing equiptment, tables, countertops, cutting boards,inaminate medical surfaces (e.g.,examination tables, lights, equiptment), and other general surfaces found in healthcare, industrial,commercial, and household settings. Of critical importance is the tolerance to hard water since that allows end-users of the product to dilute the concentrated sanitizing/disinfecting solution in regular tap water and maintain excellent efficacy (cleaning and antimicrobial properties). In addition, the use of critical concentrations of organic alcohol provides stability during storage at elevated temperatures. which is important for both short - and long- term storage of solutions.

The sanitizers and desinfectants are comprised of an organic acid, a naturally -derived anoinic surfactant, a natural fatty acid, and an organic alcohol. The organic acid and anionic surfactant provide strong antimicrobial properties necessary for food and non-food contact surface sanitizers and desinfectants. The fatty acid provides greatly improved efficacy in hard water and also reduces the foaming properties inherent with an anionic surfactant. A critical concentration of at least about 1 wt% of the organic alcohol provides elevated temperature stability to the formulations. Sodium sulfate bisulfate can be optionally included to further increase the efficacy in hard water. An essential oil can be optionally included to add a natural scent to the sanitizer/desinfectant.

All ingridients in the formulations are naturally derived (i.e., found in nature, found naturally in the human body, and/or undergone limited chermical modification (e.g., saponification or sulfation of a fatty acid]) and exhibit low human and envoromental toxicity at end-use concentrations. The organic acid can be provided by one or more (e.g., combinations) of the following natural organic acids: citric acid, acetic acid, or ascorbic acid. Other similar natural organic acids can also be used. The concentrated liquid sanitizer/desinfectant formulation contains at least about 10 wt% of one or more natural first organic acids sufficient to provide a solution pH of from about 1.2-5.0 e.g., from about 10-40 wt% of such one or more natural first organic acid, preferably 15 35 wt%, and most preferably 21 30 wt%. Upon dilution to end-use concentrations, the diluted solution may contain, organic acid. preferably, 0.015 - 3.5 wt%, and most preferably, 0.021 - 3.0 wt%.

naturally-derived, sulfated fatty acid (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate) is used as the anionic surfactant. The concentrated liquid sanitizer/disinfectant formulation contains at least about 5 wt%, e.g. 5-30 wt% of the anionic surfactant, preferably 8-20 wt%, and most preferably 10.5-12 wt%. Upon dilution to end-use concentrations, the diluted solutions contains preferably 10.5-12 wt%. Upon dilution to end-use concentrations, the diluted solution contains 0.005-3.0 wt% anionic surfactant, preferably, 0.008 -2.0 wt% and most preferably, 0.0105-1.2 wt%. The sulfated fatty acid in a particular embodiment comprises a C6-C18 alkyl sulfate, and in a more specific embodiment a C8-C14 alkyl sulfate. One or more (e.g., combinations) of any natural sulfated fatty acid (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium caprylyl sulfate) can be used.

The monocarboxylic fatty acid can be provided by one or more (e.g., combinations) of the natural organic fatty acids, and in particular one or more saturated or unsaturated C6-C18 monocarboxylic acids. In a particular embodiment, the fatty acids can be provided by one or more of the following natural organic fatty acids: caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, hexadectrienoic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, pinolenic acid, or stearidonic acid. Other similar natural fatty acids can also be used. The monocarboxylic fatty acid employed is distinct from the one or more natural first organic acids sufficient to provide a solution pH of from about 1.2-5.0, as such fatty acids are typically not capable of themselves providing such low pH. The concentrated liquid sanitizer/disinfectant formulation contains at least about 0.1 wt%, e.g., 0.1-5 wt% moncarboxylic fatty acid, preferably 0.5-3 wt%, and most preferably 1-3 wt%. Upon dilution to end-use concentrations, the diluted solution may contain, e.g., 0.0001-0.5 wt% monocarboxylic fatty acid, preferably, 0.0005-0.3%, and most preferably, 0.001-0.2 wt%.

The organic alcohol can be provided by any organic alcohol, with ethanol and isopropanol being common examples. The concentrated liquid sanitizer/disinfectant formulation contains at least about 1 wt%, e.g., about 1-20 wt% alcohol, preferably 2-10 wt%, and most preferably 3-10 wt%. Upon dilution to end-use concentrations, the diluted solution may contain, e.g., 0.001 2 wt% alcohol, preferably, 0.0015 1.5 wt%, and most preferably, 0.002 0.7 wt%.

The concentrated solution is formulated to have a pH of from about 1.2 to 5, as a pH of greater than 5 results in a formulation that has poor antimicrobial properties, while a pH of less than about 1.2 results in strong irritating properties. Optionally, the pH of the resulting solution can be adjusted with a buffering agent, such that the pH of the final, diluted sanitizer/disinfectant solution remains under 5.0 (preferably from 1.8 to 4.0, most preferably 2.0 -3.0) upon dilution since antibactiral efficacy is decreased as pH increases. The buffering agent can be selected from one of the following basic neutralizing agents calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, or sodium bicarbonate. Alternatively, a combination of the organic acid, any sodium, potassium, magnesium, or calcium salt form of the organic acid, and/or one of the previously listed basic neutralizing agents can be combined in a ratio that results in the target pH.

Sodium sulfate or sodium bisulfate can optionally be added to the formulation to further increase tolerance to hard water. When combined with the fatty acid, sodium sulfate or sodium bisulfate increase the tolerance to hard water even more than the fatty acid or sulfate salts alone. When added, the sodium sulfate or sodium bisulfate is preferably present in the concentrated solution formulation at from about 0.1 to 10 wt%, more preferably about 2-8 wt%. While use of too much sodium sulfate or sodium bisulfate alone to provide hard water tolerance control can lead to solution gelling, the combination of a fatty acid with such relatively low levels of sodiumsulfate or sodium bisulfate in the concentrate formulation further advantageously enables effective hard water tolerance control ina concentrate solution with acceptable viscosity. Upon dilution to end-use concentrations, the diluted solution may preferably contain, e.g., 0.001-1 wt% sodium sulfate orsodium bisulfate, preferably, 0.01-0.5 wt%, and most preferably, 0.02 - 0.1 wt%.

In further specific embodiments, the weight ratio of the one or more natural first organic acids sufficient to provide a solution pH of from about1.2 - 5.0 sulfated fattyacid surfactant is preferably from about 1-4, as such ratios effectively enable providingsufficient acid to maintain the desired low pH in the diluted solution, and simultaneously sufficient surfactant to aid with cleaning ability of the diluted solution. Additionally, the weight ratio of the one or more natural first organic acids sufficient to provide a solution pHof from about 1.2 - 5.0 to the one or more fatty acids is preferably from 5-29, and more preferably from 9-28, as such ratios enable formulations that are relativelyeasyto formulate (formulations withlower ratios may be relatively difficult to formulate as concentrated solutions) and that provide effective hard water tolerance control (formulations with higher ratios may not provide as effective hard water control).

Sanitizing and disinfecting solutions are prepared as highly concentrated solutions, which allow end users to prepare larger quantities of end-use solutions from small amounts of concentrated solution. This also facilitates shipping and handling by minimizing product volume. In aparticular embodiment, e.g., the concentrated solution compositions of the invention are designed to diluting with at least 9 additional parts of water to one part of the concentrate composition to form a di luted solution havingof from about 1.5 - 5.0 used for cleaning, sanitizing, or disinfecting a food or non-food contact surface. In particular embodiments, it is preferred that the highly concentrated solution be prepared as a 30 - 1000X concentrate (i.e., formulated for dilution of 1 part of concentrated solution in 29 to 999 partsof water, respectively, to prepare the 1X end-use diluted formulation),proferably 40 - 300X, and most preferably 60 - 150X.

The food or non-food contact surface may be treated with the 1X end-use diluted sanitizing or disinfecting solution by flooding, dipping, spraying, coating, wiping, or any other means that facilitates contact of the solution with the surface. The surface is exposed to the sanitizing or disinfecting solution for e.g., from 10 seconds to 15 minutes, preferably 20 seconds to 10 minutes, and preferably 30 seconds to 5 minutes. After exposure of the surface to the sanitizing or disinfecting solution, the surface may be allowed to dry. If a method such as flooding is used, excess solution is preferably removed (e.g., drained) prior to drying. When food contact surfaces are treated in this manner, they are sanitized or disinfected and the risk of transmission of pathogens is greatly reduced.

The following are examples of several concentrated sanitizing and disinfecting formulationsprepared according to this invention:

Example 1: A 64X concentrate is prepared as oulined in the following Table 1.1:

TABLE 1.1 INGREDIENT WEIGHT PERCENT 64X Concentrate 1X Dilution Citric acid 25.6 0.40 Lauric acid 1.3 0.02 Sodium lauryl sulfate 10.5 0.16 Sodium bicarbonate 2.6 0.04 Isopropanol 5.5 0.09 Water to 100% To 100%

The pH of the resulting concentrated solution is approximately 2.20. The 64X concentrate is then diluted to prepare a 1X end-use diluted sanitizing/disinfectingsolution diluting 1 part of the 64X concentrate with 63 parts of water. The pH of the resulting end-use solution is approximately 2.50.

Example 2: A 64X concentrate is prepared as outlined in the following Table 1.2:

TABLE 1.2 INGREDIENT WEIGHT PERCENT 64X Concentrate 1X Dilution Citric acid 25.6 0.40 Lauric acid 1.3 0.02 Sodium lauryl sulfate 10.5 0.16 Sodiumbicarbonate 2.6 0.04 Isopropanol 5.5 0.09 Sodium sulfate 5.1 0.08 Water to 100% To 100%

The pH of the resultingconcentrated solution isapproximately 2.21. The 64X concentrate is then diluted toprepare are a 1X end-use dilutedsanitizing/disinfectingsolution diluting 1 part of the 64X concentrate with 63 parts of water. The pH of the resulting end-use solution is approximately 2.56.

Example3: A 64X concentrate is prepared as outlined in the followingTable 1.3:

TABLE 1.3 INGREDIENT WEIGHT PERCENT 64X Concentrate 1X Dilution Citric acid 25.6 0.40 Capric acid 1.3 0.02 Sodium laury sulfate 10.5 0.16 Sodium bicarbonate 2.6 0.04 Isopropanol 5.5 0.09 Water to 100% To 100%

The pH of the resulting concentrated solution is approximately 2.18. The 64X concentrate is then diluted to prepare a 1X end-use diluted sanitizing/disinfecting solution by diluting 1 part the 64X concentrate with 63 parts of water. The pH of the resulting end-use solution is approximately 2.53.

Example 4: A 64X concentrate is prepared as outlined in the following Table 1.4:

TABLE 1.4 INGREDIENT WEIGHT PERCENT 64X Concentrate 1X Dilution Citric acid 25.6 0.40 Capric acid 1.3 0.02 Sodium lauryl sulfate 10.5 0.16 Sodium bicarbonate 4.8 0.08 Isopropanol 5.5 0.09 Sodium bisulfate 5.2 0.04 Water to 100% To 100%

The pH of the resulting concentrated solution is approximately 1.97. The 64X concentrate is then diluted to prepare a 1X end-use diluted sanitizing/disinfecting solution by diluting 1 part of the 64X concentrate with 63 parts of water. The pH of the restoring end-use solution is approximately 2.45.

Example 5: A 128X concentrate is prepared as outlined in the following Table 1.5:

TABLE 1.5 INGREDIENT WEIGHT PERCENT 128X Concentrate 1X Dilution Citric acid 25.6 0.20 Capric acid 2.6 0.02 Sodium lautyl sulfate 10.5 0.08 Sodium bicarbonate 2.6 0.02 Isoprepanol 5.5 0.04 Water to 100% To 100%

The pH of the resulting concentrated solution is approximately 2.17. The 128X concentrate is then diluted to prepare a 1X end-use diluted sanitizing/disinfecting solution by diluting 1 part of the 128X concentrate with 127 parts of water. The pH of the resisting end-use solution is approximately 2.66.

Example 6: A 128X concentrate is prepared as outlined in the following Table 1.6:

TABLE 1.6 INGREDIENT WEIGHT PERCENT 128X Concentrate 1X Dilution Citric acid 25.6 0.20 Capric acid 2.6 0.02 Sodium lauryl sulfate 10.5 0.08 Sodium bicarbonate 2.6 0.02 Isopropanol 5.5 0.04 Sodium bisulfate 5.2 0.04 Water to 100% To 100%

The pH of the resulting concentrated solution is 1.96. The 128X concentrate is then diluted to prepare a 1X end-use diluted sanitizing/disinfecting solution by diluting 1 part of the 128X concentrate with 127 parts of water. The pH of the resulting end-use solution is approximately 2.58.

Example 7: A 128X concentrate is prepared as outlined in the following Table 1.7:

TABLE 1.7 INGREDIENT WEIGHT PERCENT 128X Concentrate 1X Dilution Citric add 25.6 0.20 Capric acid 2.6 0.02 Sodium lauryl sulfate 10.5 0.08 Sodium bicarbonate 2.9 0.02 Isopropanol 5.5 0.04 Water to 100% To 100%

The pH of the resulting concentrated solution is approximately 2.49. The 128X concentrate is then diluted to prepare a 1X end-use diluted sanitizing/disinfecting solution by diluting 1 part of the 128X concentrate with 127 parts of water. The pH of the resulting end-use solution is approximately 2.85.

Example 8: A 128X concentrate is prepared as outlined in the following Table 1.8:

TABLE 1.8 INGREDIENT WEIGHT PERCENT 128X Concentrate 1X Dilution Citric acid 25.6 0.20 Capric acid 2.6 0.02 Sodium lautyl sulfate 10.5 0.08 Sodium bicarbonate 5.1 0.04 Isopropanol 5.5 0.04 Sodium bisulfate 5.2 0.04 Water to 100% To 100%

The pH of the resulting concentrated solution is 2.21. The 128X coxicentrate is then diluted to prepare a 1X end-use diluted sanitizing/disinfecting solution by diluting 1 part of the 128X concentrate with 127 parts of water. The pH of the resulting end-use solutionis approximately 2.61.

Example 9, A concentrate that can be diluted either 1:64 or 1:128 is prepared as outlined in the following Table 1.9:

TABLE 1.9 INGREDIENT WEIGHT PERCENT 28X Concentrate 1X Dilution Citric acid 25.6 0.20 Lauric acid 1.3 0.01 Sodimn lauryl sulfate 10.5 0.08 Sodium citrate 1.8 0.01 Isopropanol 2.3 0.02 Water to 100% To 100%

The pH of the resulting concentrated solution is 2.23. The concentrate is then diluted 1:64 or 1:128 to prepare the end-use diluted sanitizing/disinfecting solution by diluting 1 part of the concentrate with 63 or 127 parts of water, respectively. The pHs of the resulting end-use solutions are2.32 and 2.41 for the 1:64 and 1:128 dilutions, respectively.

Example 10: A concentrate that can be diluted either 1:64 or 1:128 is prepared as outlined in the following Table 1.10:

TABLE 1.10 INGREDIENT WEIGHT PERCENT 128X Concentrate 1X Dilution Acetic acid 21.0 0.16 Capric acid 2.6 0.02 Sodium lauryl sulfate 10.5 0.08 Isopropanol 2.3 0.02 Water to 100% To 100%

The pH of the resulting concentrated solution is 2.08. The concentrate is then diluted 1:64or 1:128 to prepare the end-use diluted sanitizing/disinfecting solution by diluting 1 part of the concentrate with 63 or 127 parts of water, respectively. The pHs of the resulting end-use solutions are 2.58 and 2.63 for the 1:64 and 1:128 dilutions, respectively.

Example 11: A concentrate that can be diluted either 1:64 or 1:128 is prepared as outlined in the following Table 1.11:

TABLE 1.11 INGREDIENT WEIGHT PERCENT 128X Concentrate 1X Dilution Citric acid 25.6 0.20 Lauric acid 1.3 0.01 Sodium lauryl sulfate 10.5 0.08 Sodium citrate 1.8 0.01 Ethanol 5.5 0.04 Water to 100% To 100%

pH of the resulting concentrated solution is 2.32. The concentrate is then dilated 1:64 or 1:128 to prepare the end-use diluted sanitizing/disinfecting solution by diluting 1 part of the concentrate with 63 or 127 parts of water, respectively. The pHs of the resulting end-use solutions are 2.36 and 2.51 for the 1:64 and 1:128 dilutions, respectively.

Example 12: A concentrate that can be diluted either 1:64 or 1:128 is prepared as outlined in the following Table 1.12:

TABLE 1.12 INGREDIENT WEIGHT PERCENT 128X Concentrate 1X Dilution Acetic acid 21.0 0.16 Capric acid 2.6 0.02 Sodium lauryl sulfate 10.5 0.08 Ethanol 5.5 0.04 Water to 100% To 100%

The pH of the resulting concentrated solution is 2.11. The concentrate is then diluted 1:64 or 1:128 to prepare the end-use diluted sanitizing/disinfecting solution by diluting 1 part of the concentrate with 63 or 127 parts of water, respectively. The pHs of the resultung end-use solutions are 2.68 and 2.69 for the 1:64 and 1:128 dilutions, respectively.

Example 13: A concentrate that can be diluted either 1:64 or 1:128 is prepared as outlined in the following Table 1.13:

TABLE 1.13 INGREDIENT WEIGHT PERCENT 128X Concentrate 1X Dilution Citric acid 25.6 0.20 Capric acid 2.6 0.02 Sodium lauryl sulfate 10.5 0.08 Isopropanol 2.3 0.02 Water to 100% To 100%

The pH of the resulting concentrated solution is 1.47. The concentrate is then diluted 1:64 or 1:128 to prepare the end-use diluted sanitizing/disinfecting solution by diluting 1 part of the concentrate with 63 or 127 parts of water, respectively. The pHs of tea resulting end-use solutions are 2.23 and 2.30 for the 1:64 and 1:128 dilutions, respectively.

Example 14: A concentrate that can be diluted either 1:64 or 1:128 is prepared as outlined in the following Table 1.14:

TABLE 1.14 INGREDIENT WEIGHT PERCENT 128X Concentrate 1X Dilution Citric acid 25.6 0.20 Capric acad 2.6 0.02 Sodium lauryl sulfate 10.5 0.08 Ethanol 2.3 0.02 Water to 100% To 100%

The pH of the resulting concentrated solution is 1.45. The concentrate is then diluted 1:64 or 1:128 to prepare the end-use diluted sanitizing/disinfecting solution by diluting 1 part of the concentrate with 63 or 127 parts of water, respectively. The pHs of the resulting end-use solutions are 2.25 and 2.36 for the 1:64 and 1:128 dilutions, respectively.

Scenting of Fomulations. Natural essential oils canbe added to the sanitizing/disinfectingformulations to provide a natural, pleasing frangrance. Orange oil, lemon oil, and cinnamon oil were added to the formulations at up to 3 percent v/v. All three oils provided a pleasing scent to the concentrated and end-use diluted sanitizing/disinfecting formulations.

Evaluation of Tolerance to Hard Water. The solutions prepared in Examples 1 to 8 were diluted to 1X using an appropriate volume of 375 or 500 ppm artificial hard water. The hard water was prepared shortly before use by combining the appropriate amount of calcium chloride (2.5 or 3.4 mM calcium ion for the 375 or 500 ppm hard water, respectively), magnesium chloride (1.3 or 1.7 mM magnesium ion for the 375 or 500 ppm hard water, respectively), and sodium bicarbonate (3.4 or 4.5 mM for the 375 or 500 ppm hard water, respectively) in distilled water. Each concentrated solution was then diluted in the 375 or 500 ppm hard water. Each solution was tested in triplicate. After dilution, the time to clouding and final appearance of the solutions after 24 hours were measured and the results are presented in Tables 1 and 2. Clouding of the solutions is a result of the interaction of sodium lauryl sulfate with the calcium (primarily) and magnesium ions in the hard water to create an insoluble precipitate that no longer has surfactant properties. In the case of the sanitizing and disinfecting formations, formulation of precipitates is undesired since it greatly reduces the cleaning and antibacterial properties of the solutions. Therefore, clouding is directly related to the ability of the sanitizing and disinfecting solutions toprovide the desired efficacy (cleaning and antibacterial properties).

Two control solutions without the fatty acid were used to compare the clouding results of the example formulations. The first control was 1 0.5% sodium lauryl sulfate in distilled water (Control Solution 1). The second control solution (Control Solution 2)was prepared as outlined in the following Table 2:

TABLE 2 Control Solution 2 INGREDIENT WEIGHT % Citric acid 25.6 Sodium lauryl sulfate 10.5 Sodium bicarbonate 4.5 Isopropanol 5.5 Water to 100%

The control solutions were diluted 1 part of concentrated solution in 63 (1:64 dilution) or 127 (1:128 dilution) parts of 375 or 500 ppm water. Clouding was defined as not being able to read 2.5 mm tall numbers on the opposite side of a clear polystyrene tube 28.5 mm in diameter contaning the 1X diluted solution. Immediately after preparation, all solutions were clear. All example formulations prolonged the time until clouding when compared to the control solutions. Results are presented in the following Tables 3.1 and 3.2.

TABLE 3.1 Time to clouding of sanitizing/disinfecting solutions diluted to 1X end-use concentrations in 375 ppm artificial hard water Test Solution Time to Clouding (minutes) (mean ±SD) Apperance of Solutions at 24 hours 64X Concentrate Diluted to 1X example 1 15.7 ±0.6 Completely opaque Example 2 40.0 ±3.5 Completely opaque example 3 39.3 ±0.6 Completely opaque Example 4 211.7 ±0.6 Can discern numbers but not legible Control Solution 1 (64X) 3.0 ±0.0 Completely opaque Control Solution 2 (64X) 10.0 ±0.0 Completely opaque 128X Concentrate Diluted to 1X Example 5 >1,440 Slightly hazy Example 6 >1,440 Slightly hazy Control Solution 1 (128X) 2.0 ±0.0 Completely opaque Control Solution 2 (128X) 3.7 ±1.2 Completely opaque

TABLE 3.2 Time to clouding of sanitizing/disinfecting solutions diluted to 1X end-concentrations in 500 ppm artificial hard water use concentrations in 500 ppm artificial hard water Test Solution Time to Clouding (minutes) (mean ±SD) Appearance of Solution at 24 Hours 64X Concentrate Diluted to 1X Example 1 10.3 ±0.5 Completely opaque Example 2 21.3 ±1.5 Completely opaque Exemple 3 20.7 ±0.6 Completely opaque Example 4 55.3 ±0.6 Can discern numbers bur not legible Control Solution 1 (64X) 2.0 ±0.0 Completely opaque Control Solution 2 (64X) 5.0 ±1.0 Completely opaque 128X Concentrate Diluted to 1X Completely opaque Example 5 >1,440 Slightly hazy Example 6 >1,440 Slightly hazy Example 7 >1,440 Slightly hazy Example 8 >1,440 Slightly hazy Control Solution 1 (128X) 1.3 +0.6 Completely opaque Control Solution 2 (128X) 6.0 ±0.0 Completely opaque

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Effectiveness of 1X End-Use Diluted Solutions. The effectiveness of the sanitizing/disinfecting solutions from Examples 1 to 8 diluted to 1X end-use concentrations in 300 or 500 ppm artificial hard water was assessed in a suspension time kill assay against model gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram negative (Esoherichia coli) bacteria. In brief, the bacterial suspension (∼1x1010 CFU/ml) was added to 9.9 times the volume of 1X end-use sanitizing/disinfecting solution prepared in 300 or 500 ppm artificial hard water. After 30 seconds, an aliquot of test solution was removed and neutralized with culture broth . The neutralized solution containing bacteria was then plated on solid agar medium and allowed to incubate at 36 ± 1° C. for Apperance of Solutions at 24 hours - 48 hours to identify viable colonies Tables 4.1 and 4.2 summarize the results of duplicate replicates including the log-fold reduction in bacteria for the two replicates combined for each solution and bacterium. All example formulations provided dramatic reductions in baterial counts with a very short contact time (30 seconds).

TABLE 4.1 Antibacterial efficacy of example sanitizing/disinfecting solutions diluted to 1X in 300 ppm hard water. CONCENTRATE SANITIZING/ DISINFECTING SOLUTION BACTERIUM REPLICATE EXPOSURE TIME (SECS) INITIAL BACTERIAL CONCNTRTN. (CFU/ML) VIABLE COLONIES (CFU/ML) AVERAGE LOG₁₀ REDUCTION IN BACTERIA Example 1 (64X) Staphylococcus aureus 1 30 6.65×10⁷ 2.70×10⁴ 3.67 2 1.58×10³ Eschericia coli 1 30 8.80×10⁷ No growth >7.25 2 No growth Example 2 (64x) Staphylococcus aureus 1 30 6.65×10⁷ 1.00x10¹ >6.95 2 No growth Escherichia coli 1 30 8.80×10⁷ No growth >7.25 2 5.00×10⁰ Example 3 (64x) Staphylococcus aureus 1 30 9.90×10⁶ No growth >6.30 2 No growth Example 4 (64x) Staphylococcus aureus 1 30 9.90×10⁶ No growth >5.90 2 2.00×10¹ Example 5 (128X) Staphylococcus aureus 1 30 9.90×10⁶ No growth >6.30 2 No growth Example 6 (128X) Staphylococcus aureus 1 30 9.90×10⁶ No growth >6.30 2 No growth Example 7 (128X) Staphylococcus aureus 1 30 4.20×10⁸ No growth >6.92 2 No growth Escherichia coli 1 30 1.09×10⁹ No growth >7.34 2 No growth Example 8 (128X) Staphylococcus aureus 1 30 4.20×10⁸ No growth >6.92 2 No growth Escherichia coli 1 30 1.09×10⁹ No growth >7.34 2 No growth

TABLE 4.2 Antibacterial efficacy of example sanitizing/disinfecting solutions diluted to 1X in 500 ppm hard water. CONCENTRATE SANITIZING/ DISINFECTING SOLUTION BACTERIUM REPLICATE EXPOSURE TIME (SECS) INITIAL BACTERIAL CONCNTRTN (CFU/ML) VIABLE COLONIES (CFU/ML) AVERAGE LOG₁₀ REDUCTION IN BACTERIA Example 7 (128X) Staphylococcus aureus 1 30 4.20×10⁸ No growth >6.92 2 No growth Escherichia coli 1 30 1.09×10⁹ No growth >7.34 2 No growth Example 8 (128X) Staphylococcus aureus 1 30 4.20×10⁸ No growth >6.92 2 No growth Escherichia coli 1 30 1.09×10⁹ No growth >7.34 2 No growth

Evaluation of Corrosion of Concentrated and 1X End-Use Diluted Solutions. The corrosiveness of several of the concentrated and 1X end-use diluted solutions was tested by immersing pieces of stainless steel and aluminum in the concentrated or 1X end-use diluted solutions. The visual appearance of the metal pieces was assessed, over time as summarized in Tables 5.1 and 5.2

TABLE 5.1 Appearance of stainless steel after constant immersion in concentrated or 1X end-use diluted solutions. Test Solution Appearance 1 Day 2 Days 4 Days 7 Days 14 Days 21 Days Example 1 64X concentrate Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal 1X end-use dilution nd-use Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Example 5 128X concentrate Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal 1X end-use dilution Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Example 6 128X concentrate Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal 1X end-use dilution Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Positive Controls 10.5% hypochlorite Minimal yellow surface coating. Minimal yellow surface coating. Moderate black corrosion. Moderate yellow surface coating. Moderate black corrosion. Marked yellow surface coating. Moderate black corrosion. Marked yellow surface coating. Moderate black corrosion. Marked yellow surface coating. Moderate black corrosion. 0.246% hypochlorite Slight yellow surface coating. Slight yellow surface coating. Minimal yellow surface coating. Moderate yellow surface coating. Slight black corrosion. Marked yellow surface coating. Minimal black corrosion. Marked yellow surface coating. Minimal black corrosion. 0.042% hypochlorite Normal Normal Slight yellow surface coating. Slight yellow surface coating. Slight yellow surface coating. Slight yellow surface coating. Negative Control Distilled Water Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Note: for severity of findings, slight < minimal < moderate < marked

TABLE 5.2 Appearance of aluminum after constant immersion in concentrated or IX end-use diluted solutions. Test Solution Appearance 1 Day | 2 Days 4 Days 7 Days 14 Days 21 Days Example 1 64X concentrate Normal Normal Normal Normal Slight white film. Slight white film. 1X end-use dilution Normal Normal Normal Normal Slight gray film. Slight gray film. Example 5 128X concentrate i Normal Normal Normal Normal Slight white film. Slight white film. 1X end-use dilution Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Slight gray film. Example 6 128X concentrate Normal Normal Normal Normal Slightfilm. Slight white film. 1X end-use dilution Normal Normal Normal Normal Slight gray film. Slight gray film. Positive Controls 10.5% hypochlorite Moderate black and yellow surface coating and spots. Marked black and yellow corrosion. Marked black and yellow corrosion. Marked black and white corrosion. Marked black and white corrosion. Marked black and white corrosion. 0.246% hypochlorite Moderate black surface coating. Moderate black surface coating. Marked black surface coating. Marked black surface coating. Marked black surface coating. Marked black surface coating. 0.042% hypochlorite Slight gray surface seating. Minimal black surface coating. Marked black surface coating. Marked black surface coating. Marked black surface coating. Marked black surface coating. Negative Control Distilled Water Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal Slight film. white Note: for severity of findings, slight < minimal < moderate < marked

Stability of Concentrated Solutions During Elevated Temperature Storage. The stability of the concentrated solutions was tested by placing example solutions at 54℃ for 2 weeks and assessing when the solutions became cloudy or separated, both of which indicate instability of the solutions. The temperature and durationof the test was selected since the US Environmental Protection Agency recommends these parameters when assessing the stability of sanitizer/disinfectant formulations. Tables 6 and 7 demonstrate that isopropanol or ethanol increase the elevated temperature stability of the acid-anionic surfactant-fatty acid formulations. In addition, Table 8 demonstrates that the concentration of alcohol is critical since too low and stability is decreased.

TABLE 6 Influence of isopropanol on the elevated temperature stability (54℃) of acid-anionic surfactant-fatty acid formulations Aqueous Formulation Time to Cloud or Separate (Days) 25.6% citric acid 10 10.5% sodium lauryl sulfate 25.6% citric acid Stable and clear at 2 weeks 10.5% sodium lauryl sulfate 7% (v/v) isopropanol 25.6% citric acid 1 10.5% sodium lauryl sulfate 2.8% [v/v] decanoic acid 25.6% citric acid Stable and clear at 2 weeks 10.5% sodium lauryl sulfate 7% (v/v) isopropanol 2.8% (v/v) decanoic acid 25.6% citric acid 6 10.5% sodium lauryl sulfate 1.4% (v/v) decanoic acid 25.6% citric acid Stable and clear at 2 weeks 10.5% sodium lauryl sulfate 7% (v/v) isopropanol 1.4% (v/v) decanoic ecid

TABLE 7 Influence of isopropanol or ethanol on the elevated temperature stability (54° C.) of acid-anionic surfactant-fatty acid formulations Aqueous Formulation Time to Cloud or Separate (Days) 25.6% citric acid 11 10.5% sodium lauryl sulfate 25.6% citric acid Stable and clear at 2 weeks 10.5% sodium lauryl sulfate 7% (v/v) ethanol 25.6% citric acid 2 10.5% sodium lauryl sulfate 2.8% (v/v) decanoic acid 25.6% citric acid Stable and clear at 2 weeks 10.5%sodium lauryl sulfate 7%(v/v) ethanol 2.8% ( v/v ) decanoic acid 25.6% citric acid 8 10.5% sodium lauryl sulfate 1.3% (w/v) lauric acid 25.6% citricacid Stable and clear at 2 weeks 10.5% sodium lauryl sulfate 7% (v/v) isopropanol 1.3% lauric acid

TABLE 8 Influence of varying isopropanol concentrations on the elevated temperature stability (54° C.) of acid-anionic surfactant-fatty acid formulations Aqueous Formulation Time to Cloud or Separate (Days) 25.6% citric acid 2 10.5% sodium lauryl sulfate 2.8% (v/v) decanoic acid 25.6% citric acid 1 10.5% sodium lauryl sulfate 0.1% (v/v) isopropanol 2.8% (v/v) decanoic acid 25.6%citric acid 1 10.5% sodium lauryl sulfate 0.2% (v/v) isopropanol 2.8% (v/v) decanoic acid 25.6% citric acid 4 10.5% sodium lauryl sulfate 1% (v/v) isopropanol 2.8% (v/v) decanoic acid 25.6% citric acid Stable and clear at 2 weeks 10.5% sodium lauryl sulfate 2% (v/v) isopropanol 2.8% (v/v) decanoic acid 10.5% sodium lauryl sulfate Stable and clear at 2 weeks 3% (v/v) isopropanol 2.8% (v/v) decanoic acid 25.6% citric acid Stable and clear at 2 weeks 10.5% sodium lauryl sulfate 4% (v/v) isopropanol 2.8% (v/v) decanoic acid 25.6% citric acid Stable and clear at 2 weeks 10.5% sodium lauryl sulfate 5% (v/v) isopropanol 2.8% (v/v) decanoic acid 25.6%citric acid Stable and clear at 2 weeks 10.5% sodium lauryl sulfate 6% (v/v)isopropanol 2.8% (v/v) decanoic acid 25.6%citric acid Stable and clear at 2 weeks 10.5% sodium lauryl sulfate 7% (v/v) isopropanol 2.8% (v/v) decanoic acid

Evaluation of Foaming of 1X End-Use DilutedSolutions. The foaming of 1X Evaluation of Foaming of 1X End-Use Diluted Solutions.The foaming of 1X end-use diluted solutions of Examples 1 to 8 was assessed by applying 15 ml of each 1X end-use diluted solution to a stainless steel countertop. A rectangular paper towel with the dimensions of 10.5by 11 inches was used to wipe the solution in a circular motion in a clockwise followed by a counterclockwise direction on the countertop. Foaming was visually assessed along with the time to dissipation of foamingand residue remaining on the countertop. Aspositive controls, a solution of 10.5% sodium lauryl sulfate diluted in water to 0.164%(64X control) or 0.082% (128X control) were used. Results are presented in Table 9.

TABLE 9 Test Solution Test Concentration Foaming Time to Foam Dissipation (seconds) Residue After Drying 64X Concentrate Diluted to 1X Example 1 (64X concentrate) 1X Minimal 30 None Example 2 (64X concentrate) 1X Minimal 22 None Example 3 (64X concentrate) 1X Minimal 16 None Example 4 (64X concentrate) 1X Minimal 44 None Positive Control (64X) 0.164% SLS Moderate 106 None 128X Concentrate Diluted to 1X Example 5 (128X concentrate) 1X Slight 5 None Example 6 (128X concentrate) 1X Slight 5 None Example 7 (128X concentrate) 1X Slight 6 None Example 8 (128X concentrate) 1X Slight 5 None Positive Control (128X) 0.082% SLS Minimal 52 None Note: foaming was assessed as slight< minimal < moderate<marked; SLS = sodium lauryl sulfate

While the invention has been described in connection with several presently preferred embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many modifications and changes may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention which accordingly is intended to be defined solely by the appended claims. 

1-9. (canceled)
 10. A sanitizing and disinfecting concentrate composition comprising a natural first organic acid at a concentration of about 10% to about 40% by weight selected from the group consisting of citric acid, fumaric acid, humic acid, acetic acid, ascorbic acid, or a combination thereof; a monocarboxylic fatty acid at a concentration of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight selected from the group consisting of caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, or a combination thereof; a sulfated fatty acid at a concentration of at least 5% weight; an alcohol at a concentration of about 1% to about 20% by weight selected from the group consisting of ethanol, isopropanol, or a combination thereof; and water at a concentration of at least 10% by weight.
 11. The sanitizing and disinfecting concentrate composition of claim 10, wherein the sulfated fatty acid comprises a C₆-C₁₈ alkyl sulfate.
 12. The sanitizing and disinfecting concentrate composition of claim 10, wherein the sulfated fatty acid comprises a C₈-C₁₄ alkyl sulfate.
 13. The sanitizing and disinfecting concentrate composition of claim 10, wherein the sulfated fatty acid comprises a sulfated monocarboxylic fatty acid.
 14. The sanitizing and disinfecting concentrate composition of claim 13, wherein the sulfated monocarboxylic fatty acid comprises a C₆-C₁₈ saturated or unsaturated monocarboxylic fatty acid.
 15. The sanitizing and disinfecting concentrate composition of claim 14, wherein the C₆-C₁₈ saturated or unsaturated monocarboxylic fatty acid is selected from the group consisting of caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, hexadecatrienoic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, pinolonic, acid, stearidonic acid, or a combination thereof.
 16. The sanitizing and disinfecting concentrate composition of claim 14, wherein the C₆-C₁₈ saturated or unsaturated monocarboxylic fatty acid is lauric acid.
 17. The sanitizing and disinfecting concentrate composition of claim 10, wherein the concentrate composition lacks a chlorinated or halogenated compound.
 18. The sanitizing and disinfecting concentrate composition of claim 10, further comprising carbonate, bicarbonate, or both carbonate and bicarbonate.
 19. The sanitizing and disinfecting concentrate composition of claim 10, further comprising an essential oil.
 20. The sanitizing and disinfecting concentrate composition of claim 10, further comprising a pH buffer.
 21. The sanitizing and disinfecting concentrate composition of claim 10, wherein the natural first organic acid is citric acid.
 22. The sanitizing and disinfecting concentrate composition of claim 10, wherein the monocarboxylic fatty acid is capric acid.
 23. The sanitizing and disinfecting concentrate composition of claim 10, wherein the alcohol is isopropanol.
 24. The sanitizing and disinfecting concentrate composition of claim 10, wherein the natural first organic acid is at a concentration of about 21% to about 30% by weight.
 25. The sanitizing and disinfecting concentrate composition of claim 10, wherein the sulfated fatty acid is at a concentration of 5% to about 30 % by weight.
 26. The sanitizing and disinfecting concentrate composition of claim 10, wherein the alcohol is at a concentration of about 2% to about 10% by weight.
 27. A sanitizing and disinfecting solution composition comprising the sanitizing and disinfecting concentrate composition of claim 1 and dilution water, wherein the sanitizing and disinfecting concentrate composition is diluted in the dilution water at a ratio of from 1:9 to 1:127. 